Typically, ALTs:

• team-teach, or help with classes taught by Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs)
• assist in the preparation of teaching materials
• participate in extra-curricular activities with pupils
• assist with the English language training of JTEs
• are employed by a school or Board of Education and often visit more than one school in the area to which they are assigned.

As an ALT your role will be to ASSIST Japanese Teachers of English, rather than lead the class on your own.

However, the exact nature of the ALT position can depend on numerous factors, such as the number of schools visited, the frequency of visits and the differing approaches of JTEs.

No two situations are the same and therefore a flexible attitude is essential.

Japanese school children begin studying English at the age of 12 in their first year at Junior High School. At 15 years of age, 95% of students progress to Senior High School, and the vast majority continue to study English there for another three years.

English teaching in Japan has traditionally focused more on reading and writing skills than on oral communication. Even at Senior High School level, the students' spoken English is generally quite basic.

As an ALT, you'll play a key role in promoting communicative training in the classroom. Contact with an ALT also provides your students with a valuable chance to become familiar with another culture.